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Kendall Beck #1
The Wrong Woman
The past is never far behind, as a string of murders threatens to unleash long-buried secrets in this pulse-pounding thriller for fans of Melinda Leigh and T. R. Ragan.
The only survivor of Denver's notorious "Reaper" serial murders, FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck grapples with the ghosts of her past by seeking justice for victims of abuse. She's neck-deep in a particularly ugly case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams--but her investigation is derailed when her best friend and roommate, Gwen Tavich, turns up dead floating in a nearby lake.
Devastated by the news of Gwen's death, Kendall teams up with Denver detective Adam Taylor to find the killer. Gwen's fiance, Ty Butler, is being evasive about the last time he saw Gwen, and as the evidence mounts against him, he's arrested for the murder. With every new clue, Kendall questions how well she really knew her friend. And when Gwen's dark secrets begin spilling out one by one, she begins to understand the devastating magnitude of her murder. The Reaper has returned to Denver--and he's not stopping at just one victim.
As the trauma of Kendall's past comes roaring back, she and Adam have no time to spare before more bodies start piling up. And then Kendall makes a shocking discovery that reveals the horrifying truth behind Emily Williams's disappearance. Now, Kendall must confront her darkest fears as she and the Reaper face off one more time.
The only survivor of Denver's notorious "Reaper" serial murders, FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck grapples with the ghosts of her past by seeking justice for victims of abuse. She's neck-deep in a particularly ugly case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams--but her investigation is derailed when her best friend and roommate, Gwen Tavich, turns up dead floating in a nearby lake.
Devastated by the news of Gwen's death, Kendall teams up with Denver detective Adam Taylor to find the killer. Gwen's fiance, Ty Butler, is being evasive about the last time he saw Gwen, and as the evidence mounts against him, he's arrested for the murder. With every new clue, Kendall questions how well she really knew her friend. And when Gwen's dark secrets begin spilling out one by one, she begins to understand the devastating magnitude of her murder. The Reaper has returned to Denver--and he's not stopping at just one victim.
As the trauma of Kendall's past comes roaring back, she and Adam have no time to spare before more bodies start piling up. And then Kendall makes a shocking discovery that reveals the horrifying truth behind Emily Williams's disappearance. Now, Kendall must confront her darkest fears as she and the Reaper face off one more time.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2022
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December 13, 2021
The Wrong Woman
by Leanne Kale Sparks is an intense, suspenseful, and engaging debut novel featuring FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck and Denver police detective Adam Taylor. This police procedural, romantic suspense, and crime thriller is mainly set in late February and March with a waning winter in Colorado. The book starts with a chilling prologue from a killer’s point of view and then proceeds to engage the reader with multiple cases. Kendall is investigating the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams and Adam is investigating a case where a young woman was found dead at the edge of a golf course. When Kendall’s roommate, Gwen Tavich, goes missing, Kendall and Adam meet.
Kendall is a strong female protagonist and has plenty of character depth for a first novel. Her friends are the biggest part of her life besides her job. She’s compassionate and relentless in her pursuit of justice, but she also has flaws such as a temper that can get her in trouble. Readers gradually learn about her past and how that influences her actions and thoughts today. Adam seems more laid back than Kendall, but just as devoted to his work. While readers also get insight into his relationship with a past girlfriend, his character isn’t as fully fleshed out as Kendall’s is.
The opening is strong, chilling, and memorable. The plot and sense of urgency move the story forward. Both story lines have twists that keep readers guessing. The writing was well-done and transported this reader into the dark and gritty world of victims and investigators. While the ending was a little over-the-top, it wrapped things up nicely, but left an opening for a thread to be followed in future books. The emotional toll on victims, families, and investigators was shown throughout the novel.
This novel shows how hard it can be to get an investigation going when an adult goes missing. Themes include abduction, murder, assault, child abuse, torture, friendship, family, grief, severe trauma, and much more. Readers should be aware that there are descriptions of torture as well as descriptions of crimes against a child.
Overall, this was an intense and gripping thriller with complex and compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It’s an impressive start for a debut novel. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully about Kendall and Adam. Readers of police procedurals and crime thrillers may want to check this one out.
Crooked Lane Books and Leanne Kale Sparks provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 08, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4 star review of this police procedural and crime thriller will be posted 3-4 days after it is published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Kendall is a strong female protagonist and has plenty of character depth for a first novel. Her friends are the biggest part of her life besides her job. She’s compassionate and relentless in her pursuit of justice, but she also has flaws such as a temper that can get her in trouble. Readers gradually learn about her past and how that influences her actions and thoughts today. Adam seems more laid back than Kendall, but just as devoted to his work. While readers also get insight into his relationship with a past girlfriend, his character isn’t as fully fleshed out as Kendall’s is.
The opening is strong, chilling, and memorable. The plot and sense of urgency move the story forward. Both story lines have twists that keep readers guessing. The writing was well-done and transported this reader into the dark and gritty world of victims and investigators. While the ending was a little over-the-top, it wrapped things up nicely, but left an opening for a thread to be followed in future books. The emotional toll on victims, families, and investigators was shown throughout the novel.
This novel shows how hard it can be to get an investigation going when an adult goes missing. Themes include abduction, murder, assault, child abuse, torture, friendship, family, grief, severe trauma, and much more. Readers should be aware that there are descriptions of torture as well as descriptions of crimes against a child.
Overall, this was an intense and gripping thriller with complex and compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It’s an impressive start for a debut novel. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully about Kendall and Adam. Readers of police procedurals and crime thrillers may want to check this one out.
Crooked Lane Books and Leanne Kale Sparks provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 08, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4 star review of this police procedural and crime thriller will be posted 3-4 days after it is published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
January 21, 2022
2.5 stars
Am I the only one who found this book to be slow????? I could not get into this book, until the ending.
As I have not so subtly hinted, this was book was slow for me, was it the writing or the narration? I'm not sure. I wasn't the biggest fan of the narrator and I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more had I read the book.
FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck is the only survivor of the notorious "Reaper" serial killer. Her experience has inspired her to seek justice for survivors of abuse. She is investigating the case of five-year-old Emily Williams, when her roommate and best friend, Gwen Tavich is found dead.
Sound interesting, doesn't it? I thought this would be right up my alley, but it wasn't. Again, not sure if it was the book or the narrator, but this was not for me. The ending picked up and I enjoyed that, but I wasn't surprised by the reveal. Other readers are enjoying this much more than I did so check out their reviews.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Am I the only one who found this book to be slow????? I could not get into this book, until the ending.
As I have not so subtly hinted, this was book was slow for me, was it the writing or the narration? I'm not sure. I wasn't the biggest fan of the narrator and I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more had I read the book.
FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck is the only survivor of the notorious "Reaper" serial killer. Her experience has inspired her to seek justice for survivors of abuse. She is investigating the case of five-year-old Emily Williams, when her roommate and best friend, Gwen Tavich is found dead.
Sound interesting, doesn't it? I thought this would be right up my alley, but it wasn't. Again, not sure if it was the book or the narrator, but this was not for me. The ending picked up and I enjoyed that, but I wasn't surprised by the reveal. Other readers are enjoying this much more than I did so check out their reviews.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 26, 2023
This is a Crime/Police Thriller/Mystery. I did really enjoy reading this book, and it pulled me into this story. There was a couple things that bother me while reading this book. The first thing was there was to much going on, and it felt a little jumpy and not focus at times. The next thing was a know what the big twist was going to be for early in the book and way before it was revealed. I did still enjoy the ending. I also wanted more action in this book. The characters where good, but I just wanted more for the story. I listened to the audiobook for this book, and the narrator did a really good job. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
February 7, 2022
Reading first time authors is always a thrill and The Wrong Woman by Leanne Kale Sparks is an enjoyable debut. It begins disturbingly with a serial killer comparing his work with a cooking metaphor. Then we meet Kendal Beck, an FBI investigator of missing abduction cases based in Denver. Then her best friend disappears and she meets Adam Taylor, a police detective assigned the case. The narrative unfolds into the investigation and consequences of these two crimes, as Kendal and Adam cooperate on each other’s cases. A quality crime procedural, with many clues and leads to hunt down, building into a tense climax. So, a three-and-a-half-star rating read, with the possibility of developing a series given the element of ambiguity with the resolution. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, free from any incentive.
March 10, 2023
3.75⭐
Book 1 in the Kendall Beck series
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, police procedural, child molestation, some brutal graphic scenes
For the most part I liked this one and it kept me pretty engaged. We have to follow along with a couple different story lines of missing people and dead people that weave around and into each other.
FBI agent, Kendall Beck is working a case of a missing 5 year old girl, Emily (luckily she's found) when her best friend and roommate, Gwen, goes missing and ultimately turns up dead.
While Detective Adam Taylor is already working on the murder of a woman named Jenna, he is given Gwen's case to solve. Could the deaths be linked to something that happened in Kendall's past?
I liked that each chapter gave the date and time, but that would probably be easier to keep track of when you read it, not listen to it.
Although I found some things predictable, I did not see one little zinger coming and that was exciting.
Narration ~
Erin DeWard ~ 10 hours 39 minutes ~I could really only enjoy this narrators regular voice she used for Kendall. I really wish there was a male narrator for Adam's pov parts.
*Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media LLC and Leanne Kale Sparks for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Book 1 in the Kendall Beck series
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, police procedural, child molestation, some brutal graphic scenes
For the most part I liked this one and it kept me pretty engaged. We have to follow along with a couple different story lines of missing people and dead people that weave around and into each other.
FBI agent, Kendall Beck is working a case of a missing 5 year old girl, Emily (luckily she's found) when her best friend and roommate, Gwen, goes missing and ultimately turns up dead.
While Detective Adam Taylor is already working on the murder of a woman named Jenna, he is given Gwen's case to solve. Could the deaths be linked to something that happened in Kendall's past?
I liked that each chapter gave the date and time, but that would probably be easier to keep track of when you read it, not listen to it.
Although I found some things predictable, I did not see one little zinger coming and that was exciting.
Narration ~
Erin DeWard ~ 10 hours 39 minutes ~I could really only enjoy this narrators regular voice she used for Kendall. I really wish there was a male narrator for Adam's pov parts.
*Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media LLC and Leanne Kale Sparks for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 13, 2023
The only survivor of Denver’s notorious “Reaper” serial murders, FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck grapples with the ghosts of her past by seeking justice for victims of abuse. She’s neck deep in a particularly ugly case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams—but her investigation is derailed when her best friend and roommate, Gwen Tavich, turns up dead floating in a nearby lake.
Devastated by the news of Gwen’s death, Kendall teams up with Denver detective Adam Taylor to find the killer. Gwen’s fiancé, Ty Butler, is being evasive about the last time he saw Gwen, and as the evidence mounts against him, he’s arrested for the murder. With every new clue, Kendall questions how well she really knew her friend. And when Gwen’s dark secrets begin spilling out one by one, she begins to understand the devastating magnitude of her murder. The Reaper has returned to Denver—and he’s not stopping at just one victim.
As the trauma of Kendall’s past comes roaring back, she and Adam have no time to spare before more bodies start piling up. And then Kendall makes a shocking discovery that reveals the horrifying truth behind Emily Williams’s disappearance. Now, Kendall must confront her darkest fears as she and the Reaper face off one more time.
Well, I thought I’d give this one a try after hearing about it on Bookstagram, but I should have listened to the recommendations that said it was for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner. Incredibly dark and gritty, it was a little too realistic for me. Focusing on child abuse and a serial killer, I had a hard time reading the book and ended up DNFing it. It was also fairly graphic and I prefer to read to escape in milder thrillers. To top it off, I found what I did read to be slow, focusing on the police procedural framework with little action. And while this could change later in the book, a few other reviews say it doesn’t. Ultimately, I couldn’t get into it and was slightly disturbed by what I did read so I put it down. But, if you like Slaughter or Gardner, you’ll probably enjoy it. Rating of 1 star (DNF).
*Synopsis provided by publisher (didn’t read enough to write my own)
Well, I thought I’d give this one a try after hearing about it on Bookstagram, but I should have listened to the recommendations that said it was for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner. Incredibly dark and gritty, it was a little too realistic for me. Focusing on child abuse and a serial killer, I had a hard time reading the book and ended up DNFing it. It was also fairly graphic and I prefer to read to escape in milder thrillers. To top it off, I found what I did read to be slow, focusing on the police procedural framework with little action. And while this could change later in the book, a few other reviews say it doesn’t. Ultimately, I couldn’t get into it and was slightly disturbed by what I did read so I put it down. But, if you like Slaughter or Gardner, you’ll probably enjoy it. Rating of 1 star (DNF).
*Synopsis provided by publisher (didn’t read enough to write my own)
March 23, 2023
Book Blog | Bookstagram
This is a generic, predictable procedural mystery with if-y police work and a triple-case storyline that the author chose to sideline in favour of an emphasis on the main character, FBI Agent Kendall Beck’s, personal life.
I found it a chore to read, burdened with details and scenes that didn’t matter and trying, but failing, to balance the most interesting parts – police work, mystery, a serial killer – with the more mundane stuff the main character was going through and connecting it all through a missing roommate. The “I recognize now isn’t a good time to have sexy thoughts” vibe between Beck and the detective investigating her missing roommate, was pathetic and went nowhere sexy at all, so I’m not even sure why it was included.
The novel reads like the author didn’t really know what kind of story she wanted to write. A mystery? A serial killer thriller? Romantic suspense? It’s all over the fucking map and doesn’t really start to come together until the 80% mark. Up to that point, it lacks good mystery elements for the reader to piece together. Everything falls into the incompetent investigators’ laps by happenstance in order to move the plot along.
Like, what kind of detective waits over 24 hours to notify a family that their daughter is dead? Why would you not retrace every last step a victim took before their death during an investigation, instead of doing it only after you’ve arrested someone and then realized that person is probably innocent? A forensic team didn’t move any boxes or furniture when searching a home for a missing child?
Sloppy, y'all.
And then there was the detective calling his dick his “favourite plaything.” No, thank you.
The triple-case plotline – the “Reaper” serial killer, the missing child and the missing roommate – were all interesting and together could have created something dark and twisted with the right execution, but this missed the mark, drowned in sexless, personal baggage. The synopsis reads like it would be right up my alley, but it hit with me.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down
Book Source: The publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review
This review is based on an uncorrected ARC copy so some details may have changed by publication, okay Karen?
This is a generic, predictable procedural mystery with if-y police work and a triple-case storyline that the author chose to sideline in favour of an emphasis on the main character, FBI Agent Kendall Beck’s, personal life.
I found it a chore to read, burdened with details and scenes that didn’t matter and trying, but failing, to balance the most interesting parts – police work, mystery, a serial killer – with the more mundane stuff the main character was going through and connecting it all through a missing roommate. The “I recognize now isn’t a good time to have sexy thoughts” vibe between Beck and the detective investigating her missing roommate, was pathetic and went nowhere sexy at all, so I’m not even sure why it was included.
The novel reads like the author didn’t really know what kind of story she wanted to write. A mystery? A serial killer thriller? Romantic suspense? It’s all over the fucking map and doesn’t really start to come together until the 80% mark. Up to that point, it lacks good mystery elements for the reader to piece together. Everything falls into the incompetent investigators’ laps by happenstance in order to move the plot along.
Like, what kind of detective waits over 24 hours to notify a family that their daughter is dead? Why would you not retrace every last step a victim took before their death during an investigation, instead of doing it only after you’ve arrested someone and then realized that person is probably innocent? A forensic team didn’t move any boxes or furniture when searching a home for a missing child?
Sloppy, y'all.
And then there was the detective calling his dick his “favourite plaything.” No, thank you.
The triple-case plotline – the “Reaper” serial killer, the missing child and the missing roommate – were all interesting and together could have created something dark and twisted with the right execution, but this missed the mark, drowned in sexless, personal baggage. The synopsis reads like it would be right up my alley, but it hit with me.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down
Book Source: The publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review
This review is based on an uncorrected ARC copy so some details may have changed by publication, okay Karen?
January 18, 2022
"The Wrong Woman" audiobook by Leanne Kale Sparks, is a twisty whodunit that will be published February 8th, 2022.
This book immediately grabs the readers attention with the intense heart gripping disappearance of a 5-year-old child named Emily. Agent Kendall Beck, is called in to help find Emily. Kendall is dedicated and determined to get to the bottom of Emily's disappearance and bring her back home. Additionally, Kendall's roommate and best friend Gwen goes missing. Detective Adam Taylor is brought in to work with Kendall during this devastating time looking for Gwen, but will they be able to find Gwen and solve the missing person's cases?
This book will rip your heart out from the very first chapter. I listened to it on an extended trip. It was the perfect audiobook to keep me involved in the suspense during a long car ride. The book follows multiple cases with different characters, but I was able to figure it out and easily follow along. Through the author's descriptive writing, I felt the drama and intense emotional pain in each situation. I was able to visualize the scenes as they played out in the book. Was the book perfect? No! It's a complicated novel, but I was really drawn into the development of the story and could not wait to find out what happened in each chapter.
Warning: Child Sexual Abuse, Violence,
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the honor of reviewing this audiobook. I really appreciate it!
This book immediately grabs the readers attention with the intense heart gripping disappearance of a 5-year-old child named Emily. Agent Kendall Beck, is called in to help find Emily. Kendall is dedicated and determined to get to the bottom of Emily's disappearance and bring her back home. Additionally, Kendall's roommate and best friend Gwen goes missing. Detective Adam Taylor is brought in to work with Kendall during this devastating time looking for Gwen, but will they be able to find Gwen and solve the missing person's cases?
This book will rip your heart out from the very first chapter. I listened to it on an extended trip. It was the perfect audiobook to keep me involved in the suspense during a long car ride. The book follows multiple cases with different characters, but I was able to figure it out and easily follow along. Through the author's descriptive writing, I felt the drama and intense emotional pain in each situation. I was able to visualize the scenes as they played out in the book. Was the book perfect? No! It's a complicated novel, but I was really drawn into the development of the story and could not wait to find out what happened in each chapter.
Warning: Child Sexual Abuse, Violence,
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the honor of reviewing this audiobook. I really appreciate it!
March 28, 2022
THE WRONG WOMAN is a gripping murder mystery that introduces readers to Kendall Beck, an FBI agent whose best friend and roommate, Gwen Tavich, is brutally murdered.
Detective Adam Taylor is investigating both Gwen’s death and a recent murder that appears to be linked to a serial killer known as the Reaper. Kendall is looking into the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams when Gwen goes missing. We think of the book’s title as we ask ourselves if Gwen was mistakenly killed because she was driving someone else's car. Was she indeed “the wrong woman”?
It turns out that during her college days, Kendall tried to save someone from a serial killer. But she ended up getting shot, and the victim was snatched up again. Kendall was left for dead, but she survived and resolved to dedicate her life to taking bad guys off the streets by becoming an FBI agent.
Gwen and her fiancé own a restaurant, which becomes important in solving the mystery. Kendall’s best male friend is Quentin, from whom we sometimes get strange vibes. When Gwen is found dead, we wonder if her death is part of the serial killer case. But her fiancé is acting suspiciously, and there are other suspects to consider.
Author Leanne Kale Sparks leaves us with many questions about Kendall's past: What happened to her own fiancé? Did he really commit suicide when he seemed to be so happy? Who exactly is the Reaper? I reread the prologue, the only section written from the serial killer's point of view, and was struck that it left me with more questions and suspicions.
Contrary to the publisher’s blurb about the book, Gwen’s secrets don’t really seem to be “dark.” And after her death, bodies don’t “start piling up,” though questions about links to prior murders do arise.
Still, THE WRONG WOMAN is a thrilling story with nonstop action and suspense. I am looking forward to the next entry in the series, which Sparks has confirmed is forthcoming. I want to see if some of my questions about Kendall, Adam and Quentin are answered. And I can't wait for another emotion-filled murder mystery with admirable protagonists who are a bit mysterious themselves.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
Detective Adam Taylor is investigating both Gwen’s death and a recent murder that appears to be linked to a serial killer known as the Reaper. Kendall is looking into the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams when Gwen goes missing. We think of the book’s title as we ask ourselves if Gwen was mistakenly killed because she was driving someone else's car. Was she indeed “the wrong woman”?
It turns out that during her college days, Kendall tried to save someone from a serial killer. But she ended up getting shot, and the victim was snatched up again. Kendall was left for dead, but she survived and resolved to dedicate her life to taking bad guys off the streets by becoming an FBI agent.
Gwen and her fiancé own a restaurant, which becomes important in solving the mystery. Kendall’s best male friend is Quentin, from whom we sometimes get strange vibes. When Gwen is found dead, we wonder if her death is part of the serial killer case. But her fiancé is acting suspiciously, and there are other suspects to consider.
Author Leanne Kale Sparks leaves us with many questions about Kendall's past: What happened to her own fiancé? Did he really commit suicide when he seemed to be so happy? Who exactly is the Reaper? I reread the prologue, the only section written from the serial killer's point of view, and was struck that it left me with more questions and suspicions.
Contrary to the publisher’s blurb about the book, Gwen’s secrets don’t really seem to be “dark.” And after her death, bodies don’t “start piling up,” though questions about links to prior murders do arise.
Still, THE WRONG WOMAN is a thrilling story with nonstop action and suspense. I am looking forward to the next entry in the series, which Sparks has confirmed is forthcoming. I want to see if some of my questions about Kendall, Adam and Quentin are answered. And I can't wait for another emotion-filled murder mystery with admirable protagonists who are a bit mysterious themselves.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
February 12, 2022
Omg, this one was amazing! I had a hard time putting it down!!
Kendall has a dark history involving a serial killer but she is also an FBI Special Agent. While she deals with her demons and ghost of her past, she is determined never to let anyone down again!
So while she is searching for a young girl, they are worried that she was kidnapped they end up finding her in her neighbor's garage.
So while she is working on her own case, she ends up letting the father of the victim have it in the hospital and is sent home. When she is sent home she is talking to her roommate/best friend Gwen. Then Gwen borrows Kendall's car and goes to work. In a couple of days, Gwen doesn't come home and Kendall starts to worry. So, to get the police to actually listen to her about Gwen being missing she eventually reports her car as missing. Soon they find her car and a little while after they find her car they find Gwen's body. So Adam goes from a stolen vehicle to a murder case while he is working on another murder case. Soon Adam and Kendall start a slow-burn friendship. They are working on a clock to stop a father who is abusing his children and Adam is working to solve Gwen's murder! If you love a good cop/FBI thriller then you will love this one! Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this one! It was definitely a treat!
Kendall has a dark history involving a serial killer but she is also an FBI Special Agent. While she deals with her demons and ghost of her past, she is determined never to let anyone down again!
So while she is searching for a young girl, they are worried that she was kidnapped they end up finding her in her neighbor's garage.
So while she is working on her own case, she ends up letting the father of the victim have it in the hospital and is sent home. When she is sent home she is talking to her roommate/best friend Gwen. Then Gwen borrows Kendall's car and goes to work. In a couple of days, Gwen doesn't come home and Kendall starts to worry. So, to get the police to actually listen to her about Gwen being missing she eventually reports her car as missing. Soon they find her car and a little while after they find her car they find Gwen's body. So Adam goes from a stolen vehicle to a murder case while he is working on another murder case. Soon Adam and Kendall start a slow-burn friendship. They are working on a clock to stop a father who is abusing his children and Adam is working to solve Gwen's murder! If you love a good cop/FBI thriller then you will love this one! Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this one! It was definitely a treat!
January 15, 2022
A thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. An FBI agent who after finding a missing girl realizes her abuser is her own father loses it on him and gets mandatory time off. While at home her roommate and best friend Gwen goes missing and is eventually found dead. Kendall Beck throws herself into investigating what happened to her friend.
Detective Adam Taylor is already working a murder when he is additional assigned to Gwen's case. He and Kendall team up and go through a slew of potential subjects.
Peripheral to all of this we know there is a serial killer named the Reaper who not only has a past with Kendall but is still actively killing and may or may not be related to the cases.
This was defiantly a strong debut by the author. I had some minor issues with the story at the end but on the flip of that in the matter of just pages the suspense racked up ten fold and you were glued to story. I defiantly hope this is a start to a new series.
Detective Adam Taylor is already working a murder when he is additional assigned to Gwen's case. He and Kendall team up and go through a slew of potential subjects.
Peripheral to all of this we know there is a serial killer named the Reaper who not only has a past with Kendall but is still actively killing and may or may not be related to the cases.
This was defiantly a strong debut by the author. I had some minor issues with the story at the end but on the flip of that in the matter of just pages the suspense racked up ten fold and you were glued to story. I defiantly hope this is a start to a new series.
January 13, 2022
FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck is working a case involving the abuse of 5 yr old Emily when her best friend & roommate goes missing. Kendall teams up with Denver detective Adam Taylor to find out what happened to her. So there’s 2 ongoing investigations in the book, with 2 POV’s (Kendall & Adam). I really liked these characters! I wasn’t as impressed with the mysteries in the book but overall it was an enjoyable listen. I’d love to read more & have hopes this will develop into a series. I definitely recommend to crime fiction fans!
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Leanne Kale Sparks & Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Leanne Kale Sparks & Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2022
Kendall faced a serial killer years ago, and failed to rescue one of the girls he had attacked. She then made a career of being an FBI agent. When her best friend is killed in the manner of other women, she and a police detective join forces to figure out what is going on.
February 15, 2023
With The Wrong Woman, new to me author Leanne Kale Sparks introduces us to FBI agent Kendall Beck in a new series. Years ago, Kendall was the only surviving victim of the Reaper who terrorized Denver by murdering young girls. While trying to help one of the victims, Kendall was shot and left for dead. While working on a missing child case, Kendall’s attention is blind sighted when her best friend, Gwen disappears and her body is found days later in a lake. Initially, I struggled to keep the numerous cases straight and how, if at all, they are connected.
Kendall partners up with Denver Detective Adam Taylor to assist with the investigation into Gwen’s death and the subsequent arrest of Gwen’s fiancé, Ty. I liked Adam and found him to be an interesting character and happy to see that he will continue in the next book. Adam and Kendall have great chemistry, but there was no hint of a blossoming romance here, which I actually liked. Let’s keep our eye on the ball, people, and not muddy up the waters even more with the romance nonsense.
Where Kendall has a temper that gets her in the hot seat, Adam is more methodical and purposeful in his process. I enjoyed how he works the clues that come up with focused intent, assuming everyone, including Kendall, is a potential suspect in Gwen’s murder.
Secondary characters made this story more interesting as I tried to figure out who the killer is. Of course, my vote was completely off the mark and when the killer’s identity was revealed, I initially felt it was too convenient. The final showdown, however, was nail-biting intense. Kudos to Ms. Sparks for drawing me to the edge of my seat, unable to press pause on my iPod. Major thumbs up also go to the narrator, Erin DeWard, for her stellar performance. Her ability to convey to the reader the feelings of the characters gave me more opportunity to empathize and care about what happens to them. Additionally, her performance also gave me a nervous anxiety in regard to the killer and his methodical stalking of Kendall and his victims. Please, people, don’t leave your vehicle unlocked while you are pumping gas!
My Final Verdict: You may or may not be surprised with the outcome of this story, but the journey getting there will leave you breathless. I highly recommend this book to fans of mysteries and thrillers as well as readers who like strong protagonists and creepy antagonists. Fans who enjoy seeing the villain get their comeuppance will root for Kendall and Adam all the way.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Wrong Woman from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kendall partners up with Denver Detective Adam Taylor to assist with the investigation into Gwen’s death and the subsequent arrest of Gwen’s fiancé, Ty. I liked Adam and found him to be an interesting character and happy to see that he will continue in the next book. Adam and Kendall have great chemistry, but there was no hint of a blossoming romance here, which I actually liked. Let’s keep our eye on the ball, people, and not muddy up the waters even more with the romance nonsense.
Where Kendall has a temper that gets her in the hot seat, Adam is more methodical and purposeful in his process. I enjoyed how he works the clues that come up with focused intent, assuming everyone, including Kendall, is a potential suspect in Gwen’s murder.
Secondary characters made this story more interesting as I tried to figure out who the killer is. Of course, my vote was completely off the mark and when the killer’s identity was revealed, I initially felt it was too convenient. The final showdown, however, was nail-biting intense. Kudos to Ms. Sparks for drawing me to the edge of my seat, unable to press pause on my iPod. Major thumbs up also go to the narrator, Erin DeWard, for her stellar performance. Her ability to convey to the reader the feelings of the characters gave me more opportunity to empathize and care about what happens to them. Additionally, her performance also gave me a nervous anxiety in regard to the killer and his methodical stalking of Kendall and his victims. Please, people, don’t leave your vehicle unlocked while you are pumping gas!
My Final Verdict: You may or may not be surprised with the outcome of this story, but the journey getting there will leave you breathless. I highly recommend this book to fans of mysteries and thrillers as well as readers who like strong protagonists and creepy antagonists. Fans who enjoy seeing the villain get their comeuppance will root for Kendall and Adam all the way.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Wrong Woman from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2023
3.5
I read this series out of order, so it is entirely on me that I didn't like this book as much as the second. By the second book in this series (The one I started with oops) Kendall is a more fleshed out character and her interactions with the other players feel smoother (which makes since and they had already been through everything that happened in this book already).
I read this series out of order, so it is entirely on me that I didn't like this book as much as the second. By the second book in this series (The one I started with oops) Kendall is a more fleshed out character and her interactions with the other players feel smoother (which makes since and they had already been through everything that happened in this book already).
April 23, 2022
I don't know how this is getting such good reviews -it's a giant MEH - we have a very common trope- the female law enforcement officer with 'trama' in her history -which of course, is mentioned repeatedly throughout the story.
Said female officer (Kendall) is about as mature as a two year old - she beats to a pulp the first guy we see her arrest - he's a creep - no doubt but her temper gets the better of her so ...oh well. While she's a bit afraid she might lose her job she's just told to go work the case and not let it happen again. Really? And throughout the story her temper is a constant problem that she struggles to keep in check - what she says to Ty at the end is cruel and uncalled for - but hey, she's really mad at him. She is the worse person.
The cop investigating the death/murder of Gwen, Kendall's roommate, is Adam. In the back half of the story we find out that he was the cop involved in Kendall's trauma but didn't know it was her until she told him her story!!!! Well damn what are the odds of that? This tidbit adds NOTHING to the plot of the story -it does however, add to the un-believability of the story. How is it possible that Adam doesn't recognize Kendall's name -there must have been a report or two, an investigation, statements, etc., and to top it off -Kendall's backstory involved a serial killer and this cop doesn't recognize her or her name.
Adam, also doesn't put together an important clue about marks on Gwen's back until the end of the story - a clue that EVERY reader got right away - but to his credit even the pathologist who is asked about this regarding another previous murder doesn't at first either. Again, every reader put it together -how could we not - and it does become important later in the story.
The serial killer of young woman from the past isn't caught and of course he's now the bad guy in this story only now he's a pedophile! Because that always happens. And even the law enforcement officers in the story have the common sense to acknowledge that that is pretty unusual that someone how tortures, rapes, and kills young blond WOMEN would not rape 7 year old girls - but maybe it's because the women he killed did look kinda of young -
There isn't one true moment or character in this story.
Said female officer (Kendall) is about as mature as a two year old - she beats to a pulp the first guy we see her arrest - he's a creep - no doubt but her temper gets the better of her so ...oh well. While she's a bit afraid she might lose her job she's just told to go work the case and not let it happen again. Really? And throughout the story her temper is a constant problem that she struggles to keep in check - what she says to Ty at the end is cruel and uncalled for - but hey, she's really mad at him. She is the worse person.
The cop investigating the death/murder of Gwen, Kendall's roommate, is Adam. In the back half of the story we find out that he was the cop involved in Kendall's trauma but didn't know it was her until she told him her story!!!! Well damn what are the odds of that? This tidbit adds NOTHING to the plot of the story -it does however, add to the un-believability of the story. How is it possible that Adam doesn't recognize Kendall's name -there must have been a report or two, an investigation, statements, etc., and to top it off -Kendall's backstory involved a serial killer and this cop doesn't recognize her or her name.
Adam, also doesn't put together an important clue about marks on Gwen's back until the end of the story - a clue that EVERY reader got right away - but to his credit even the pathologist who is asked about this regarding another previous murder doesn't at first either. Again, every reader put it together -how could we not - and it does become important later in the story.
The serial killer of young woman from the past isn't caught and of course he's now the bad guy in this story only now he's a pedophile! Because that always happens. And even the law enforcement officers in the story have the common sense to acknowledge that that is pretty unusual that someone how tortures, rapes, and kills young blond WOMEN would not rape 7 year old girls - but maybe it's because the women he killed did look kinda of young -
There isn't one true moment or character in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
Possible new police/FBI series? Hmm.... I would most definitely be interested in that! :-) This was the first I've read by this author and it was a solid read. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the pacing of the story.
Thank you #netgalley and #crookedlane for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #crookedlane for the eARC.
February 15, 2022
(2.75*)
The Wrong Woman by Leanne Kale Sparks follows FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck, the only survivor of the serial killer the “Reaper”. While she is already focused on working a particular case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams, her best friend/roommate Gwen Tavich, is found dead.
I thought this story sounded so good, intriguing even, and especially with the multi-storyline aspect that I’m usually drawn to in thrillers, I thought I would really enjoy this, but I can’t say I did.
I personally found that I was pushing myself to finish this one. Skipping through details I felt didn’t matter, information that just didn’t add to the story nor the characters.
It just reads boring and bland. Definitely a slow read. Nothing seems too really “get good” until the 75-80% mark. And although the whole thing does connect at the end, it just seems a little far-fetched.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and PR by the Book for a review!
The Wrong Woman by Leanne Kale Sparks follows FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck, the only survivor of the serial killer the “Reaper”. While she is already focused on working a particular case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams, her best friend/roommate Gwen Tavich, is found dead.
I thought this story sounded so good, intriguing even, and especially with the multi-storyline aspect that I’m usually drawn to in thrillers, I thought I would really enjoy this, but I can’t say I did.
I personally found that I was pushing myself to finish this one. Skipping through details I felt didn’t matter, information that just didn’t add to the story nor the characters.
It just reads boring and bland. Definitely a slow read. Nothing seems too really “get good” until the 75-80% mark. And although the whole thing does connect at the end, it just seems a little far-fetched.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and PR by the Book for a review!
March 11, 2022
3.5⭐️
The Wrong Women was impressive right out of the gate! A missing girl, an unknown serial killer and a missing women. Now all I needed was a great detective and that would be Adam. It seemed like he knew what he was doing and then there was badass Kendall to round out all the characters.
I really like it and it held my attention well. I chose to listen to this book on audio and was narrated by Erin DeWard. She did an excellent job.
The only problem I had was the rushed ending. I feel like I’m missing something. Is there going to be another book? Just wondering.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.
The Wrong Women was impressive right out of the gate! A missing girl, an unknown serial killer and a missing women. Now all I needed was a great detective and that would be Adam. It seemed like he knew what he was doing and then there was badass Kendall to round out all the characters.
I really like it and it held my attention well. I chose to listen to this book on audio and was narrated by Erin DeWard. She did an excellent job.
The only problem I had was the rushed ending. I feel like I’m missing something. Is there going to be another book? Just wondering.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.
March 7, 2022
Finished, but this one was rough! Pedophiles have a special place in hell...even the fictional ones...subject matter aside, the story took forever AND it seemed a tad far-fetched...even for fiction! The bones are good and Denver, as a setting, was neat!
February 25, 2022
When we first meet FBI agent Kendall Beck, she is searching for a missing five-year old girl.
Adam Taylor is a detective who is investigating the recent brutal murder of a woman. When Kendall’s roommate, Gwen, goes missing, Adam is assigned to the case. After Gwen’s body is found and ruled to be a homicide, Kendall and Adam work together to find her killer.
I really enjoyed this debut novel! There was a lot going on with the multiple story lines, but I was able to follow along just fine. It was fast paced, and I really enjoyed Kendall and Adam’s characters. I was actually hoping to see a little romance blossom between the two of them! The only issue that I had with this book was the reveal of the killer. The true crime junkie in me just didn’t buy it.
I really hope that the author writes a second book with these characters!
TW: Child molestation
Thank you to PR by the Book, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for the e-copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Adam Taylor is a detective who is investigating the recent brutal murder of a woman. When Kendall’s roommate, Gwen, goes missing, Adam is assigned to the case. After Gwen’s body is found and ruled to be a homicide, Kendall and Adam work together to find her killer.
I really enjoyed this debut novel! There was a lot going on with the multiple story lines, but I was able to follow along just fine. It was fast paced, and I really enjoyed Kendall and Adam’s characters. I was actually hoping to see a little romance blossom between the two of them! The only issue that I had with this book was the reveal of the killer. The true crime junkie in me just didn’t buy it.
I really hope that the author writes a second book with these characters!
TW: Child molestation
Thank you to PR by the Book, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for the e-copy of this book in return for my honest review.
April 26, 2023
I must say that this book was FANTASTIC. It was everything I was looking for these past few months, an intense mystery with a badass & smart MC! I absolutely adored Kendall!! I felt so attached to her and her personality. She didn't take crap from anyone and stood her ground when the situation demanded it.
At first I was not expecting much from this book, as I've had bad luck with mystery/thriller books lately. But this lovely gem got me out of my reading slump! I burned through this audiobook in 4 days and it's 10.5 hours long! The narrator was perfect and changed their voice a multitude of times to differentiate an entire cast of characters which I appreciated.
The only thing keeping this from a 5 star for me was that the pacing was a bit slow at times, some lines/ideas were repetitive, and the ending was not as cliff hangery as I would've liked! Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a GOOD mystery book that has good plot twists and plenty of action. Some of the crimes may be gruesome, but I loved how our protagonists fought for justice.
This book is a solid 4 and I might snag a physical copy in the future to reread it! I hope this book will have a sequel or even a series sometime in the future because the characters were so well built! I felt like I knew them personally and I loved the bond between the two MCs. Surprisingly, their connection felt really natural and authentic.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 Stars!
At first I was not expecting much from this book, as I've had bad luck with mystery/thriller books lately. But this lovely gem got me out of my reading slump! I burned through this audiobook in 4 days and it's 10.5 hours long! The narrator was perfect and changed their voice a multitude of times to differentiate an entire cast of characters which I appreciated.
The only thing keeping this from a 5 star for me was that the pacing was a bit slow at times, some lines/ideas were repetitive, and the ending was not as cliff hangery as I would've liked! Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a GOOD mystery book that has good plot twists and plenty of action. Some of the crimes may be gruesome, but I loved how our protagonists fought for justice.
This book is a solid 4 and I might snag a physical copy in the future to reread it! I hope this book will have a sequel or even a series sometime in the future because the characters were so well built! I felt like I knew them personally and I loved the bond between the two MCs. Surprisingly, their connection felt really natural and authentic.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 Stars!
February 17, 2022
Kendall Beck has seen a lot as an FBI agent, but when her roommate and best friend goes missing and is later found dead she stops at nothing to find out what happened to her. At the time her roommate goes missing she finds a missing little girl who becomes the piece that helps solve the puzzle of what happened to her best friend Gwen.
Although on the longer side this was a great journey of following Kendall and how not only her past came back to haunt her but also dives into the risks those working for the FBI and other agencies face when working cases. I am glad that I was able to get the audio version as I am not sure I would have sat to read 75 chapters but I really enjoyed listening to it and highly recommend this as an audio book.
Although on the longer side this was a great journey of following Kendall and how not only her past came back to haunt her but also dives into the risks those working for the FBI and other agencies face when working cases. I am glad that I was able to get the audio version as I am not sure I would have sat to read 75 chapters but I really enjoyed listening to it and highly recommend this as an audio book.
January 30, 2022
More, please! Kendall, an FBI agent, is a strong female character. She makes wise decisions and comes across as a genuine character. She has a good rapport with Adam, a police officer, and I liked their friendship. There were some good laugh-out-loud moments and banter, in addition to funny character thoughts. The Novak character was unlikable.
The pace is fast and goes even faster toward the end, which I loved. However, the side story at times got confusing in the middle but made sense at the end. The person revealed as the killer was a bit unbelievable.
The narrator had many audible breath intakes that were distracting. I would give this a 3.75 out of 5 stars.
#TheWrongWoman #NetGalley
The pace is fast and goes even faster toward the end, which I loved. However, the side story at times got confusing in the middle but made sense at the end. The person revealed as the killer was a bit unbelievable.
The narrator had many audible breath intakes that were distracting. I would give this a 3.75 out of 5 stars.
#TheWrongWoman #NetGalley
February 14, 2022
A huge thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to and review "The Wrong Woman."
#TheWrongWoman #NetGalley
A gripping psychological thriller that definitely hit its mark in my book. I was confused a little towards the middle, but in the end it all came together.
#TheWrongWoman #NetGalley
A gripping psychological thriller that definitely hit its mark in my book. I was confused a little towards the middle, but in the end it all came together.
March 13, 2024
Review to come!
December 13, 2025
This book was so good and intense. Different stories at the same and you can guess sort of how it ends but that connection at the end was not predictable 🤯
March 16, 2022
Ah, police procedurals. There seems to be something of a trope in these things whereby the protagonist-investigator is herself (and I'm not sure if it's usually 'herself' rather than 'himself' or other because of the state of the genre or because I prefer to read female authors who write female leads) a survivor of some terrible attack at some point in the past. I think it's a bit too bad that this particular Traumatic Past was dealt with completely in this book, because it definitely seems like there's setup for future books, but I'm not sure there's much more to wring out of Kendall's past.
As a book, it's mostly solid (took me a while to figure out whodunnit, and how the various cases connected and why), with the occasional wobble to remind you that it's a first book. Occasional clunky information drop:
As usual for the genre, there's the question of romance: will they? won't they? Kendall has a fuckbuddy of sorts, so we know she's attractive and isn't a prude (can't think what other purpose the fuckbuddy provides), plus half the other men in the book are in love with her. But there's nothing going on with Adam, nope nope nope:
Meanwhile, holy moly, this needed proofreading. This isn't all, or even mostly, on the author—the author is responsible for delivering as clean a manuscript as possible, of course, but proofreading is the publisher's responsibility. Hopefully if this goes to a second printing, they'll hire someone to do the job...?
First person POV in the middle of a third-person book:
As a book, it's mostly solid (took me a while to figure out whodunnit, and how the various cases connected and why), with the occasional wobble to remind you that it's a first book. Occasional clunky information drop:
Interesting, he's already comfortable using past tense when talking about a woman he'd just discovered moments earlier was dead. Adam filed the information away for more consideration later. (86)
Kendall pulled up the note app on her phone. She also managed to get the voice recorder started without RaeLyn noticing. Colorado is a one-party consent state, and...it was at least legal to record the conversation without Mrs. Volkov's actual consent. (243)This sort of thing isn't bad information to have, of course, but sometimes it feels like it's inserted in a way that is very much for the reader. (I think the present tense of 'Colorado is' probably has something to do with that...)
As usual for the genre, there's the question of romance: will they? won't they? Kendall has a fuckbuddy of sorts, so we know she's attractive and isn't a prude (can't think what other purpose the fuckbuddy provides), plus half the other men in the book are in love with her. But there's nothing going on with Adam, nope nope nope:
He felt an uncommon bond with Kendall—not romantic or anything. But like they were both cut from the same cloth. Siblings without any relation. (29)
He was a good guy, and she liked him. Not as anything more than a friend. (154)
She was hot, yeah—and it wasn't that Adam hadn't wondered about what she would be like in bed; he was still a guy—but he didn't get warm fuzzy feelings from her. She was definitely in the friend zone, and Adam was okay with that. (197)
"You buying?" she asked, as they headed toward the elevators.Real talk: with the first 'just a friend' comment I thought, okay, cool, this is a book that's going to subvert convention and not make the male and female detective lead hook up eventually. By the end, all these 'WE'RE JUST FRIENDS' comments are making me think the lad(y) doth protest too much. Kendall's past might be wrung out, then, but if there are more books to follow, mark my words, there will be more to this not-a-romance drama.
"I guess, but if you continue to make me buy coffee and meals for you, people are going to think we're dating."
She squished up her nose and squinted. "No one would ever believe we're dating. There is no way I look desperate enough to go out with you, Taylor."
"Well, that's just mean." (224)
Meanwhile, holy moly, this needed proofreading. This isn't all, or even mostly, on the author—the author is responsible for delivering as clean a manuscript as possible, of course, but proofreading is the publisher's responsibility. Hopefully if this goes to a second printing, they'll hire someone to do the job...?
First person POV in the middle of a third-person book:
I shrugged, not willing to get in the middle of their pissing match. (36)Accidental extension of italics:
Any news? the message from Q read. (73)Malapropism (emphasis added):
"Did he elude to any sexual abuse?" (80)Missing word (emphasis added):
Now, Ms. Beck was on the hot seat, and he wanted to see if her story remained the same—rehearsed, even—or changed at all. Any could mean she was covering something up. (85)Malapropism 2.0 (emphasis added):
A curt nod proceeded him walking through French doors into a long living room. (95)Malapropism 3.0 (emphasis added):
Agent Beck was pretty good at diffusing powder keg situations. (98)Inconsistency:
Ringing abruptly woke Adam from the best dream he'd had in months..."I'm not fucking on call!" (63)
While detectives were always on call... (196)Tiny little punctuation thing that drives me bonkers:
"I need more." She said. (212)And so on and so forth. It's hardly the most egregious set of proofreading errors I've ever seen ('Jane Austin' as a favourite author does come to mind), but it does tend to take one out of the story.
February 16, 2022
"The only survivor of Denver's notorious "Reaper" serial murders, FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck grapples with the ghosts of her past by seeking justice for victims of abuse. She's neck-deep in a particularly ugly case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams--but her investigation is derailed when her best friend and roommate, Gwen Tavich, turns up dead floating in a nearby lake."
A nice twisty psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. Well-written, with excellent narration.
(NETGALLEY AUDIOBOOK – I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY ADVANCED READER COPY OF THIS BOOK THROUGH NETGALLEY. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS REVIEW ARE COMPLETELY MY OWN.)
A nice twisty psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. Well-written, with excellent narration.
(NETGALLEY AUDIOBOOK – I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY ADVANCED READER COPY OF THIS BOOK THROUGH NETGALLEY. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS REVIEW ARE COMPLETELY MY OWN.)
February 16, 2022
FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck is the only survivor of the deadly Serial Killer they call 'The Reaper'. To deal with all the completely messed up stuff from her dealings with this super bad dude Kendall throws herself into getting justice for victims of serious crime.
Kendall is neck deep in a particularly tragic case when her best friend Gwen is found dead - this derails Kendall and she sets out to find the answers to her friends demise. Teaming up with detective Adam Taylor there is some very worrying evidence against Gwen's finance Ty and to top it all off 'The Reaper' is back and ready to wreak more havoc.
First of all, the synopsis of this book make it sound like you are in for a serial killer thriller, YES there is a serial killer in this book... JUST. The book focusses so heavily on so many things other than the killer, the crimes and even Kendall's traumatic past that you feel a little lost with what you are supposed to be reading. Well I did anyway... the story flowed ok... really it was only ok.
It kind of jumps around and its like the author really wanted all this action and had lots of great ideas for thrilling the reader. When really all that ended up happening was a lot of talk and some boom right at the end that was more like a bang and it was unsatisfying. I literally rolled my eyes when I realised what was happening with the so called 'Reaper'.
If the missing serial killer plot wasn't enough there is Kendall's child abuse case that kind of seems random and she works on it whenever she feels like it oh and we had to have a Russian mob story thrown in as well - honestly it was just all too much and none of it came together nicely.
I read it, I wish I can say it was better but it was a chore unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author for an advanced copy for my honest review.
Kendall is neck deep in a particularly tragic case when her best friend Gwen is found dead - this derails Kendall and she sets out to find the answers to her friends demise. Teaming up with detective Adam Taylor there is some very worrying evidence against Gwen's finance Ty and to top it all off 'The Reaper' is back and ready to wreak more havoc.
First of all, the synopsis of this book make it sound like you are in for a serial killer thriller, YES there is a serial killer in this book... JUST. The book focusses so heavily on so many things other than the killer, the crimes and even Kendall's traumatic past that you feel a little lost with what you are supposed to be reading. Well I did anyway... the story flowed ok... really it was only ok.
It kind of jumps around and its like the author really wanted all this action and had lots of great ideas for thrilling the reader. When really all that ended up happening was a lot of talk and some boom right at the end that was more like a bang and it was unsatisfying. I literally rolled my eyes when I realised what was happening with the so called 'Reaper'.
If the missing serial killer plot wasn't enough there is Kendall's child abuse case that kind of seems random and she works on it whenever she feels like it oh and we had to have a Russian mob story thrown in as well - honestly it was just all too much and none of it came together nicely.
I read it, I wish I can say it was better but it was a chore unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author for an advanced copy for my honest review.
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